Lyra Pierotti

Mountain Guide, Girls on Rock Instructor

My career in the outdoors started during college, when I worked as a guide and instructor for several environmental and experiential education organizations. After completing my B.S. in Biology, with emphasis in Ecology, Behavior and Evolution, at U.C. San Diego, the allure and challenge of technical mountain guiding proved stronger than my passion for science. Through the American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA), I became a Certified Rock Guide, and have continued my education in the Alpine discipline. I have also cultivated an awareness of risk management and complex decision making in the mountains through my work as an Avalanche Instructor for the American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education (AIARE).

As a mountain guide, I have lead international and polar expeditions, guided steep rock and alpine climbs, and scenic backcountry ski tours. I have climbed volcanic ice towers with scientists in Antarctica to sample gasses, and worked and trained as a Search and Rescue professional in New Zealand and Antarctica. To balance my career, both physically and mentally, I also work as a freelance writer, specializing in science and outdoor-related topics, especially gear reviews for OutdoorGearLab. My work with scientists in Antarctica showed me the importance of educating and empowering girls in science. As part of the Girls On Ice team, I hope to help girls develop physical and mental skills that can improve their confidence as they navigate the challenging and diverse world of field sciences.